Michael Mann Archives
The Brief
The Michael Mann Archives is a first-of-its-kind digital archive that documents the director’s creative process, beginning with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Ferrari. Unlike most directors, Mann retained full rights to his archival footage by partnering with an independent film house. This gave him the rare ability to control how his legacy is presented online.
The project brief evolved throughout the engagement, but several core objectives remained clear:
- Showcase exclusive archival content from the production of Ferrari
- Integrate Web3 and NFT functionality for token-gated access and digital collectibles
- Navigate complex legal and rights issues around archival footage and distribution
- Translate the analog feel of Mann’s work into a modern, responsive digital UX
- Give the studio team full control over asset management and placement
- Protect creative property through DRM and secure media delivery systems
What We Did
Orb Agency led the project from concept to launch, delivering end-to-end creative and technical execution:
- Creative Direction
Developed a visual language inspired by Michael Mann’s signature style that felt cinematic, moody, and minimalist.
- UX/UI Design
Designed wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and fully responsive layouts in Figma using a modular, CMS-based approach.
- Webflow Development
Built and deployed the site in Webflow, providing the studio team with a flexible and scalable content management system.
- Product Management
Oversaw timelines, asset pipelines, content coordination, and legal/compliance reviews across teams.
- Blockchain Integration
Managed custom development for Web3 features, integrating MoonPay and Crossmint to enable NFT minting, token-gated access, and collector dashboards.
- Multimedia & Print Design
Produced supporting creative including movie posters and promotional assets for the Ferrari campaign.
Outcome
The Michael Mann Archives not only met its creative and technical goals, it became a proof of concept for how legacy storytelling can thrive in a modern, Web3-enabled format. The launch drove real engagement, earned major press, and laid the foundation for future digital experiences.
- Over 2,000 NFTs sold and counting, generating meaningful collector engagement and community traction
- Token-gated digital archive launched in tandem with Ferrari
- NFT sales platform and secure holder dashboard enabled gated access to premium content
- Press coverage from major outlets including the LA Times, Criterion Collection, and others
- Modular design system built to scale, allowing the studio team to expand the archive for future films and creative projects
- Positioned Michael Mann at the intersection of cinema, technology, and collectibles—bridging legacy storytelling with modern platforms
- Featured in Coinbase’s OnChain Summer , resulting in expanded visibility and a successful sister launch
Project brief
The Michael Mann Archives is a first-of-its-kind digital archive that documents the director’s creative process, beginning with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Ferrari. Unlike most directors, Mann retained full rights to his archival footage by partnering with an independent film house. This gave him the rare ability to control how his legacy is presented online.
The project brief evolved throughout the engagement, but several core objectives remained clear:
- Showcase exclusive archival content from the production of Ferrari
- Integrate Web3 and NFT functionality for token-gated access and digital collectibles
- Navigate complex legal and rights issues around archival footage and distribution
- Translate the analog feel of Mann’s work into a modern, responsive digital UX
- Give the studio team full control over asset management and placement
- Protect creative property through DRM and secure media delivery systems
What we did
Orb Agency led the project from concept to launch, delivering end-to-end creative and technical execution:
- Creative Direction
Developed a visual language inspired by Michael Mann’s signature style that felt cinematic, moody, and minimalist.
- UX/UI Design
Designed wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and fully responsive layouts in Figma using a modular, CMS-based approach.
- Webflow Development
Built and deployed the site in Webflow, providing the studio team with a flexible and scalable content management system.
- Product Management
Oversaw timelines, asset pipelines, content coordination, and legal/compliance reviews across teams.
- Blockchain Integration
Managed custom development for Web3 features, integrating MoonPay and Crossmint to enable NFT minting, token-gated access, and collector dashboards.
- Multimedia & Print Design
Produced supporting creative including movie posters and promotional assets for the Ferrari campaign.
Outcome
The Michael Mann Archives not only met its creative and technical goals, it became a proof of concept for how legacy storytelling can thrive in a modern, Web3-enabled format. The launch drove real engagement, earned major press, and laid the foundation for future digital experiences.
- Over 2,000 NFTs sold and counting, generating meaningful collector engagement and community traction
- Token-gated digital archive launched in tandem with Ferrari
- NFT sales platform and secure holder dashboard enabled gated access to premium content
- Press coverage from major outlets including the LA Times, Criterion Collection, and others
- Modular design system built to scale, allowing the studio team to expand the archive for future films and creative projects
- Positioned Michael Mann at the intersection of cinema, technology, and collectibles—bridging legacy storytelling with modern platforms
- Featured in Coinbase’s OnChain Summer , resulting in expanded visibility and a successful sister launch
